zCrypt Ransomware

Our security research team says that zCrypt Ransomware enters a target system as a Trojan infection. It means that users do not realize they allow this malicious program to settle down in their computers before it is too late to do anything about it. This ransomware application will encrypt your files, and you will no longer be able to access them, but that should not stop you from removing zCrypt Ransomware from your system. Restoring your files might be a difficult challenge, but your utmost priority should be a clean and safe computer because one infection could easily lead to another.

Just like most of the ransomware applications, this one enters your computer spam email attachments. Users receive multiple spam messages on a daily basis, and, for the most part, most of those messages end up being filtered to the Junk Mail section. However, ransomware creators are very inventive when it comes to their distribution methods. Spam messages that carry the ransomware’s installation file often look like notifications from financial institutions or your business partners. That is why users end up opening the attachments even if they do understand that it poses specific computer security issues. The moment you open the attachment, you launch the infection.

However, the infection does not start encrypting your files the moment you open the file. Instead, zCrypt Ransomware sends out a signal over the Internet to its command and control server that yet another computer has been infected. Once the connection has been established, the program receives the encryption key from its main server.

In the meantime, you are distracted by a pop-up that does not look dangerous at all. The pop-up on your screen that indicates you have been infected with zCrypt Ransomware states the following:

There is no disk in the drive. Please insert a disk into drive D:.

Naturally, you may think that the notification is very random and out of place, but while you click the Cancel button to make the pop-up go away, the ransomware will run the file encryption behind your back. When the encryption is complete, the program will display a ransom note on your screen. It will say that you have four days to pay the fee, and if you do not pay within the deadline, the unique key will be destroyed, and you will lose the chance to restore your files.

Like most of the other ransomware infections, zCrypt Ransomware expects you to transfer the payment in Bitcoins. A Bitcoin is a digital payment system that was first introduced in 2009, and it has been brought to the attention of law enforcement that criminals have been using bitcoins increasingly to collect financial payments. When this cyber currency is used by ransomware, the note usually gives instructions on how to exchange the actual currency into bitcoins and then transfer the sum to the ransomware developers. Supposedly, this is how it should be possible to obtain the decryption key and then restore your files.

However, you have to consider the possibility that the program’s connection with its control and command center could be extra shaky. Thus, it would not be surprising if the ransomware does not give you the decryption key after it takes your money. Not to mention that paying to the cyber criminals is just giving them what they want. It would not stop them from infecting you again.

Hence, the thing you have to do is remove zCrypt Ransomware following the instructions below this text. Of course, terminating all the malicious files will not bring your files back, but you have to make sure that you delete all the traces of this malicious program.

As far as your files are concerned, you can easily restore them from a backup. If you do not have one, you can surely find some of your most important files saved in a cloud drive or your email inbox. Perhaps you carry copies of your latest files in your flash drive or your mobile device? Whichever if might be, do not let zCrypt Ransomware and its creators win. Your objective is to destroy this intruder and protect your computer from similar infections in the future. For that, you certainly have to invest in a licensed antispyware tool.

How to Remove zCrypt Ransomware

1. Press Win+R and the Run prompt will open.
2. Type regedit into the Open box and click OK.
3. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
4. Delete the zcrypt key under Run and exit the Registry Editor.
5. Press Win+R and type %AppData%. Click OK.
6. Go to Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.
7. Delete the zcrypt.lnk file from the directory.
8. Go back to the Roaming directory.
9. Locate and delete the following files:
   zcrypt.exe
   btc.addr
   public.key
10. Scan your PC with a powerful antispyware tool.